Jeep's upwardly-mobile new Compass, released in South Africa this week, borrows a lot of styling cues from the recently launched, all-new Grand Cherokee but, more importantly, it also takes on the new Jeep perceived-quality ethos, with upgraded interior features, soft-touch points and high quality materials.
Jeep has also revised the steering and suspension to improve the ride and upgraded the electronics suite to include stability control, roll mitigation, hill hold and side-curtain air bags that cover both rows of seats as standard.
It's less than 4.5m long but the new Jeep Compass shows a distinct family resemblance to the Grand Cherokee, especially in front, where a new bonnet with a subtle power bulge, new front fenders and headlight clusters frame a new grille with just a little chrome surrounding the traditional seven slots.
Quad reflector headlights and high-output projector foglights improve night driving, while 18" alloys add a touch of attitude.
The rear end gets a new, body-colour rear spoiler and subtle upgrades including new LED tail lights, bright trim on the step pad and a chromed exhaust tip, with new, slimmed-down roof rails topping it off.
Interior upgrades include new soft-touch door trim panels with a padded upper surface, a new centre armrest, a new steering wheel with satellite controls for the radio, cruise control and hands-free phone. New sports front seats are fitted and leather upholstery is standard across the range, as is cruise control and backlighting for the door switches, door locks, windows and power mirror controls.
More standard kit includes aircon, power windows, central locking, power-adjustable and heatable exterior mirrors, keyless entry, sunscreen glass, illuminated cup holders and fold-flat rear seats.
The options list features a media centre with iPod interface, a power sunroof, a premium audio system with nine Boston Acoustic speakers and liftgate speakers.
The suspension has been retuned with higher spring and damping rates, added rebound springs and a bigger rear anti-roll bar.
Only one driveline option is available in South Africa at launch, with a two-litre, naturally-aspirated petrol engine for which Chrysler quotes 115kW and 190Nm, driving the front wheels though a five-speed manual gearbox, and yes Cyril, this is the first Jeep in South Africa without all-wheel drive.
PRICE
Compass 4x2 Limited - R269 990.
That includes a three-year or 100 000km warranty and full maintenance plan.
But not dragging around the extra weight of all-wheel drive also allows Jeep to claim an impressive 7.7 litres/100km in the combined cycle - and it can still tow up to 1200kg. Due later in 2011 is the CVT2 variant, with a smooth, precise second-generation, constantly-variable transmission.